How do you change the parking lamp bulb on an 2001 rav4?

Answer 1

Get the lamp from your local auto parts store (they were less than $5 here). I'm assuming by parking lamp, you mean the ones (the parking lamp and signal lamp share the same "bracket") low on the bumper below the headlights.

Lights OFF - these bulbs are very hot! Philips screwdriver - loosen both screws on the lens cover and the bracket will the swivel out towards the side of the RAV. At the base, there are 2 cables going in. Grasp the base of the cable and twist slightly (I think it was counterclockwise) and the bulb assembly pops out. From the base of the bulb, pull it away from the assembly and put the new one in. Replace the base of the bulb assembly into the bracket and place bracket back on the Rav and tighten screws (may want to check that they work first so you don't have to loosen screws first)

Answer 2

1. Buy lightbulbs. Sylvania 2825 or equivalent. Less than $5 for two. Have about 45 minutes to work. You'll need a Phillips head screwdriver, good lighting, and patience. 2. Open the trunk and use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the small plastic grommets and screws that hold the back of the trunk lid to the metal portion of the lid. Just loosen each screw about a quarter turn or so (until it backs out) and then pull the surrounding grommet out. (The tip of the screw normally holds the grommet's retaining pins apart so that it stays in place). 3. Gently pull off the emergency trunk release handle. This may go a little easier if you first split the handle (it's a two part assembly, split the long way). 4. Depress the tab on the wiring plug at the license plate bulb socket. 5. Twist the socket about 45 degrees, following the old righty-tighty rule (when viewed from the back of the trunk lid, that is). 6. Pull the bulb out of the socket and replace with a new bulb. 7. Put the socket back 45 degrees off of its old position (you'll see how the socket's tabs fit into holes) and then rotate 45 degrees to lock it in place. 8. Reconnect the wiring plug and have someone turn your lights on to make sure everything works. 9. Since it was so much fun getting to this part, why not replace the other bulb while we're here? 10. Put the rear portion of the trunk lid back on, carefully avoiding pushing each screw deeper into the grommet until the grommet is seated, then turn the screw a bit to reseat it flush with the grommet. 11. Put the trunk release back together (if you split it to get it off) and then press it firmly in place. Again you will see how the tabs on the handle fit into spaces on the shaft it goes back onto. 12. Close the lid and walk away happy to have completed the job successfully. 1. Buy lightbulbs. Sylvania 2825 or equivalent. Less than $5 for two. Have about 45 minutes to work. You'll need a Phillips head screwdriver, good lighting, and patience. 2. Open the trunk and use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the small plastic grommets and screws that hold the back of the trunk lid to the metal portion of the lid. Just loosen each screw about a quarter turn or so (until it backs out) and then pull the surrounding grommet out. (The tip of the screw normally holds the grommet's retaining pins apart so that it stays in place). 3. Gently pull off the emergency trunk release handle. This may go a little easier if you first split the handle (it's a two part assembly, split the long way). 4. Depress the tab on the wiring plug at the license plate bulb socket. 5. Twist the socket about 45 degrees, following the old righty-tighty rule (when viewed from the back of the trunk lid, that is). 6. Pull the bulb out of the socket and replace with a new bulb. 7. Put the socket back 45 degrees off of its old position (you'll see how the socket's tabs fit into holes) and then rotate 45 degrees to lock it in place. 8. Reconnect the wiring plug and have someone turn your lights on to make sure everything works. 9. Since it was so much fun getting to this part, why not replace the other bulb while we're here? 10. Put the rear portion of the trunk lid back on, carefully avoiding pushing each screw deeper into the grommet until the grommet is seated, then turn the screw a bit to reseat it flush with the grommet. 11. Put the trunk release back together (if you split it to get it off) and then press it firmly in place. Again you will see how the tabs on the handle fit into spaces on the shaft it goes back onto. 12. Close the lid and walk away happy to have completed the job successfully.